Young pastoralists from across Asia and Africa have gathered in Kyrgyzstan to exchange knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and explore solutions for protecting the world’s vulnerable rangelands amid growing climate and environmental challenges.
The Inter-Regional Summer School of Young Pastoralists, held as part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, brought together more than 50 young pastoral leaders from countries including India, Indonesia, Kenya, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan.
Organized with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Land Coalition, the National Land Coalition of Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz Association of Forest and Land Users, the programme focused on sustainable pasture management, climate adaptation and community-based natural resource governance.
Rangelands in Kyrgyzstan and other regions are facing increasing pressure from climate change, land degradation and rising livestock production. Healthy pastures are essential for supporting rural livelihoods, maintaining biodiversity, protecting water resources and storing carbon, making sustainable management critical for both communities and ecosystems.
A key part of the programme was the participation of young members from Community Landscape Management Groups in Kyrgyzstan. These representatives are involved in sustainable pasture management, landscape restoration and climate resilience activities supported through an FAO project funded by the Green Climate Fund.
During the week-long programme, participants combined classroom learning with field activities in locations including Bishkek, Suusamyr, Son-Kol and Issyk-Kul. They learned from local pastoral communities and explored traditional grazing practices, climate adaptation strategies and modern approaches to rangeland monitoring.
At Son-Kol, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important high-altitude ecosystems, participants studied how pastoral communities manage grazing areas and maintain traditional nomadic practices. They also learned how local knowledge can work together with digital tools to improve pasture management.
The field sessions introduced participants to community-based monitoring methods using simple equipment alongside advanced technologies. Young pastoralists gained experience in collecting vegetation data, documenting pasture conditions and using digital solutions such as GPS monitoring, drones and mobile tools to support sustainable land management.
The programme highlighted the importance of combining traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. Participants explored how local communities can use both generations of knowledge to address climate challenges and improve decision-making around natural resources.
Beyond technical training, the initiative also focused on understanding the social and cultural importance of pastoral livelihoods. Participants met with local herders, learned about traditional livestock systems and explored how pastoral communities contribute to rural economies through dairy, meat and wool production.
FAO representatives emphasized that investing in young pastoral leaders is essential for the future of sustainable land management. By creating international networks and supporting knowledge exchange, the programme aims to strengthen the next generation of leaders working to protect rangelands.
The gathering contributes to the goals of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 by promoting collaboration, innovation and global cooperation for healthier landscapes and more resilient pastoral communities.
